Methods and apparatus to monitor and control mobility vehicles

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to provide an improved mobility vehicle are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a sensor positioned with respect to a seat to detect pressure by a user with respect to the sensor and to generate a signal corresponding to the pressure; and a processor to convert the signal into a control command for a powertrain to move the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to mobility vehicles and, moreparticularly, to methods and apparatus to monitor and control mobilityvehicles.

BACKGROUND

Large cities with growing populations contend with competing needs forphysical space including space for mobility of vehicles and people.According to a 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard released by Texas A&MTransportation Institute, America's drivers spent 6.9 billion hoursstuck in traffic in 2014, an average of nearly an hour a week wasted. Inlarger cities generating greater congestion, approximately 1.5 hours aweek is wasted stuck in traffic. Cities struggle to manage physicalspace while still facilitating movement of people and goods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example improved mobility vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example vehicle control system to facilitatecontrol of the vehicle of FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 3 shows an example motor and/or steering control of powertrains inthe example vehicle of FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIGS. 4A-4B show example actuation of sensors in the example vehiclebased on finger position and/or movement.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example data flow of message exchange tofacilitate mobility control over the example vehicle of FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method to control theexample vehicle of FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example processor platform capable ofexecuting instructions to implement the examples disclosed herein.

The figures are not to scale. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying writtendescription to refer to the same or like parts.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to provide animproved mobility vehicle are disclosed.

Certain examples provide a vehicle including a sensor positioned withrespect to a seat to detect pressure by a user with respect to thesensor and to generate a signal corresponding to the pressure. Theexample vehicle also includes a processor to convert the signal into acontrol command for a powertrain to move the vehicle.

Certain examples provide a tangible computer readable storage mediumincluding instructions. The example instructions, when executed, cause amachine to at least detect pressure by a user with respect to a sensorin a vehicle, the sensor positioned with respect to a seat in thevehicle. The example instructions, when executed, cause a machine to atleast generate a signal corresponding to the pressure. The exampleinstructions, when executed, cause a machine to at least convert thesignal into a control command for a powertrain to move the vehicle.

Certain examples provide a method including detecting, using a sensor,pressure by a user with respect to the sensor in a vehicle, the sensorpositioned with respect to a seat in the vehicle. The example methodincludes generating, by executing an instruction with a processor, asignal corresponding to the pressure. The example method includesconverting, by executing an instruction with the processor, the signalinto a control command for a powertrain to move the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific examples that may be practiced. Theseexamples are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in theart to practice the subject matter, and it is to be understood thatother examples may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electricaland/or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of thesubject matter of this disclosure. The following detailed descriptionis, therefore, provided to describe example implementations and not tobe taken as limiting on the scope of the subject matter described inthis disclosure. Certain features from different aspects of thefollowing description may be combined to form yet new aspects of thesubject matter discussed below.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Certain examples facilitate transportation of people and cargo using asmart, self-propelled vehicle with improved maneuverability and usage ofspace. Certain examples provide a smart mobility vehicle. In someexamples, the vehicle is a self-propelled vehicle that moves andmaneuvers without a steering wheel or pedals. In some examples, theabsence of a steering wheel and/or pedals allows a passenger space orvehicle cab size to be reduced while still accommodating one or morepassengers. Thus, in large cities with growing populations in whichimproved or optimal use of available physical space is encouraged, asmaller vehicle can be provided while still satisfying the needs ofindividual mobility and cargo transport, for example.

Certain examples provide a vehicle in which a driver's vertical positionand use of sliding doors reduces occupied space and allows comfortableaccess to the vehicle. In certain examples, armrests are equipped withsensors to allow driving of the vehicle without a steering wheel and/orpedals. Space savings through driver position, sliding door(s), sensorplacement, and absence of steering wheel and/or pedals providesincreased capacity for cargo loading volume, for example. In certainexamples, a user's mobile computing device, such as a smartphone,tablet, etc., can be used as a dashboard for the vehicle. Thus, the usercan view and/or modify vehicle settings, control the vehicle,communicate, etc., via the mobile device tethered and/or otherwise incommunication with (e.g., Bluetooth™, Bluetooth™ Low Energy (BLE),Wi-Fi™, near field communication (NFC), cellular, physical cable, etc.)with the vehicle. In certain examples, the vehicle can be remotelycontrolled, managed, etc., to facilitate maneuvering, refueling/charging(e.g., solar charging at a docking/charging station), locking, etc. Insome examples, automated driverless maneuvering of the vehicle to enterand exit charging stations, cargo loading areas, parking spaces, etc.,allow a reduction in space allocated to such areas.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example vehicle 100 facilitating passenger and/orcargo mobility with streamlined cab and controls. The example vehicle100 includes a vertical cab 105 including a seat 110. The examplevehicle 100 is driven by two electric powertrains 120, 122 (left andright powertrains, not shown, including engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and final drive to generate power and deliver thepower to a road surface) connected to wheels 125-128 and includes a rearcargo space 130 and sliding doors 140, 145. The design of the examplevehicle 100 reduces or minimizes the space occupied by the vehicle 100in circulation as well as in parking and/or recharge stations, forexample.

The seat 110 of the example vehicle 100 includes an armrest 150. Thearmrest 150 includes one or more sensors 160. Control of the vehicle 100is facilitated by the sensor(s) 160 installed in, on, and/or under thearmrest(s) 150. Using the armrest sensor(s) 160 can eliminate a steeringwheel and/or pedal(s) in the cab 110 of the vehicle 100. Additionally,rather than a traditional dashboard, a mobile device, such as asmartphone, tablet, laptop, etc., can be used as a dashboard to viewvehicle 100 information, monitor vehicle 100 performance, controlvehicle 100 operation, etc.

The enclosed cabin 105 is equipped with an air filter unit 170 togenerate cleaner air inside the cab 105. Additionally, the vehicle 100can be equipped with one or more communications interfaces 180, such asWi-Fi, cellular, Smart Bluetooth, and Sub 1 GHz long range transceiver,etc. These communication channels enable connectivity with user devices,other vehicles, environment, charging stations (e.g., solar and/or otherelectric charging, etc.), control center, etc. For example, the longrange transceiver allows remote management and tight integration inmobility ecosystems. In some examples, instead of or in addition to thecommunications interface(s) 180, the user's mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.) can be used to facilitate communication between thevehicle 100 and one or more external systems. In such examples, thecommunications interface 180 facilitates tethering of the user device toone or more vehicle 100 systems such as powertrains 120, 122, door(s)140 and/or 145, sensor 160, air filter unit 170, etc.

In certain examples, one or more short range sensors 190 (e.g.,ultrasonic sensors, etc.) can be included in and/or on the vehicle 100and used for automated driverless maneuverings, for example. The vehiclecan also be equipped with other sensors to enable autonomous drivingcapability (e.g., camera(s), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), etc.).

Thus, integrated technologies, such as mobile device dashboard, controlsensor(s) 160 communication interface(s) 180, and/or maneuverabilitysensor(s) 190 assist a user in executing an itinerary using his or herown electronically tethered device. The vehicle 100 can be integratedinto a smart mobility ecosystem through its different communicationinterfaces 180. In certain examples, autonomous and integratedmaneuvers, as well as assisted driving via the sensor(s) 190 andcontrols, allow an improved user experience.

For example, the sensor(s) 190 can be used to maintain a set cruisingspeed, bring the vehicle 100 to a comfortable stop, and/or maintain asafe following distance from a vehicle ahead, behind and/or otherwiseadjacent to the vehicle 100, etc. A combination of the sensor(s) 190 andsoftware can operate together and/or further in conjunction with thecontrol sensor(s) 160 to operate the vehicle 100 and its powertrains120, 122 (e.g., by providing adaptive cruise control, sensor-basedmaneuvering, driving assistance, etc.). For example, the sensor(s) 190can include a radar-and-camera based system which, when activated, readsthe road periodically (e.g., every 30 milliseconds, every 50milliseconds, etc.) to track traffic and adjust speed, direction,braking, etc., according to monitored traffic flow. As another example,the radar-and-camera based system can be used to watch the road aheadfor potential collisions with another vehicle, pedestrian, otherobstacle, etc. When a situation is detected, the sensors 190, alone orin conjunction with a tethered user mobile device, provide a visualand/or audible warning to the driver, pre-charge the brakes of thevehicle 100, and, if necessary, automatically apply up to full brakingforce to stop or slow the vehicle 100, thus helping to reduce theseverity of, or even eliminate, some collisions.

In another example, the sensor(s) 190 can include a LIDAR sensor thatcan be used to gather information about road, obstacle, environment,etc., around the vehicle 100 without light (e.g., at night, in a tunnel,etc.). LIDAR data can be used by software to steer the vehicle 100 inlow light or dark environment, for example. For example, LIDAR datagathered by the sensor(s) 190 can be used with high-resolutionthree-dimensional (3D) maps including information about the road, roadmarkings, geography, topography and landmarks such as signs, buildings,trees, etc. The vehicle 100 (e.g., via the user's mobile device and/orother processor integrated with the sensor(s) 190, the powertrains 120,122, and/or other part of the vehicle 100, uses LIDAR pulses todetermine vehicle 100 location on the map in real time (or substantiallyreal time given transmission and/or processing delay). In some examples,additional data from radar is combined with the LIDAR data to provide amore complete sensing capability for the vehicle 100.

In certain examples, the sensor(s) 190 provide steering assistance topark the vehicle 100 in a parallel or perpendicular parking spot and/orto pull out from tight parallel parking spots. Certain examples includeside park distance control (e.g., distance from curb, vehicle, etc.) viathe sensor(s) 190.

In certain examples, the sensor(s) 190 monitor lane marking(s) withrespect to the vehicle 100 and trigger steering and/or alert when thevehicle 100 drifts out of its lane. For example, a lane-keeping alertcan be generated to alert drivers when they drift unintentionally fromtheir lane, and a lane-keeping aid can be triggered to provide steeringassistance to guide an unintentionally drifting vehicle back into itslane. In some examples, using data from the lane-keeping system,sensor(s) 190 can detect signs of fatigued driving and provide a warningvia the driver's mobile device and/or other vehicle display.

FIG. 1B illustrates another implementation of the example vehicle 100 inwhich the seat 110 includes multiple armrests 150, 155. In the examplevehicle 100 of FIG. 1B, each armrest 150, 155 includes one or moresensors 160, 165. Control of the vehicle 100 is facilitated by thesensors 160, 165 installed in, on, and/or under the armrests 150, 155.Using the armrest sensor(s) 160, 165 can eliminate a steering wheeland/or pedal(s) in the cab 110 of the vehicle 100.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view cutaway view of the example vehicle 100including two armrests 150, 155. As shown in the example of FIG. 1C, asensor 160, 165 is positioned in each armrest 150, 155 to facilitateuser control of the vehicle 100. However, in certain examples, only onesensor 160 may be used with one or more armrests 150, 155.

The example of FIG. 1C also shows a mounting or rest 195 to position auser's mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc., to beused as a dashboard to view vehicle 100 information, monitor vehicle 100performance, control vehicle 100 operation, etc. FIG. 1D provides anadditional and/or alternative view of the example vehicle 100 in aperspective view showing the mounting or rest 195 for placement of theuser's mobile device for vehicle status information, control,communication, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example vehicle control system 200 to facilitateautomated and/or user control of the example vehicle 100. The examplevehicle control system 200 can be implemented using a mobile device(e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.), a vehicle processor, a remoteprocessor in communication with the vehicle 100, etc. In the examplesystem 200, a dashboard application 210 interacts with a mobility module220 and/or an autonomous mobility module 230 to trigger and control amotor control 240 and a steering control 250. In some examples, thecontrol system 200 may not include the steering control 250, andsteering is accomplished through actuation of one or both powertrains120, 122 by the motor control 240. The dashboard application 210 canalso interact with an external communication module 260, which uses theexternal communication interface 180 (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth,sub 1 GHz long range transceiver, etc.) to send and/or receive data,commands, etc.

Using the mobility module 220, for example, the motor control 240 and/orsteering control 250 can be actuated to control one or both of thepowertrains 120, 122 to maneuver the vehicle 100 in forward, reverse,turning right, turning left, etc., using its wheels 125-128 (see, e.g.,the example of FIG. 3). For example, actuating, via the motor control240 and/or steering control 250, the left powertrain 122 forward morethan the right powertrain 120 turns the vehicle 100 to the right, andactuating the right powertrain 120 forward more than the left powertrain122 turns the vehicle to the left. Actuating, via the motor control 240and/or steering control 250, both powertrains 120, 122 equally drivesthe vehicle 100 straight (e.g., in forward or reverse).

The mobility module 220 is associated with the sensor(s) 160, 165 andreceives user input (e.g., pressure, touch, etc.) to activate one orboth powertrains 120, 122, adjust speed, turn, brake, etc. The input istranslated into commands for the motor control 240 and/or steeringcontrol 250 to drive the powertrain(s) 120, 122 and associated wheels125-128.

The autonomous mobility module 230 communicates with the user's mobiledevice and/or other external system to externally control the motorcontrol 240 and/or steering control 250 to maneuver the vehicle 100without steering wheel, pedal, etc. For example, the autonomous mobilitymodule 230 can communicate with an external global positioning system(GPS) receiver via the communication module 260 and associatedcommunication interface 180. A target location or destination may bedetermined based on the location of the vehicle 100 and GPS. Theautonomous mobility module 230 autonomously triggers the motor control240 and/or steering control 250 to drive the vehicle 100.

In certain examples, the autonomous mobility module 230 is used toremotely maneuver the vehicle 100 into a loading area, parking space,etc. When the vehicle 100 is within a target distance of theloading/parking space, the autonomous mobility module 230 works inconjunction with the communication module 260 and/or dashboardapplication 210 to maneuver into position in the target space. In someexamples, a GPS receiver may be used to position the vehicle 100approximately at a target location, and additional detection sensorssuch as radar, LIDAR, ultrasound, camera, etc. may be used to determinea more refined position for the vehicle at the target location andmaneuver the vehicle 100 to that target location. In certain examples,such information can be used to maintain a target distance, speed, etc.,with respect to the target location, other vehicle, obstacle, etc.

Thus, the autonomous mobility module 230 operates in conjunction withsensor(s) 190 and external communication 180, 260 to monitor, track,and/or control movement of the vehicle 100. In some examples, anexternal system determines a navigation route and provides thenavigation route to the autonomous mobility module 230 via the externalcommunication interface 180 and associated communication module 260. Theautonomous mobility module 230 can then control the motor control 240and/or steering control 260 to guide the vehicle 100 to the desiredlocation. In some examples, sensor(s) 190 mounted on or in the vehicle100 can guide the autonomous mobility module 230 without external systeminput to find a space clear of other objects for moving, parking, etc.If an object, obstacle, change in route option, etc., is detected, analert can be displayed to a user via the dashboard application 210.

In certain examples, movement of the vehicle 100 is controlled by one ormore fingers with respect to sensor(s) 160, 165 triggering the mobilitymodule 220 to actuate the motor control 240 and/or the steering control250 to control the powertrain(s) 120, 122 and move the wheels 125-128.For example, certain sensor 160, 165 configurations including pressuresensors under certain fingers such as thumb, index, middle, and/or ringfingers with a palm presence sensor to activate the armrest 150, 155control. In some such examples, the user's arm, wrist and palm canremain at rest while pressure by one or more fingers provides input tothe mobility module 220 via the sensor(s) 160, 165.

As illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 4A-4B, the sensors 160 and/or165 can be activated by user hand pressure/movement using one or morehands, fingers, etc. For example, FIG. 4A shows a top view of an exampleright hand 402 along with corresponding movements to triggercorresponding motor control 240 and/or steering control 250 functions ofthe powertrains 120, 122 via the sensor(s) 160, 165 and mobility module220. For example, pressing at least a portion of the sensor 160 with thethumb of the right hand 402 actuates a braking (e.g., if the vehicle 100is currently in motion) and/or backward (e.g., if the vehicle 100 iscurrently stopped) movement 404 of the vehicle 100. Pressing at least aportion of the sensor 160 with the index finger of the right hand 402actuates motion and/or turning in the left direction 406 for the vehicle100. Pressure on the sensor 160 using the middle finger of the righthand 402 controls speed and/or acceleration 408 of the vehicle 100.Pressing at least a portion of the sensor 160 with the ring finger ofthe right hand 402 actuates motion and/or turning in the right direction410 for the vehicle 100.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of an example left hand 412 along withcorresponding movements to trigger corresponding motor control 240and/or steering control 250 functions of the powertrains 120, 122 viathe sensor(s) 160, 165 and mobility module 220. For example, pressing atleast a portion of the sensor 165 with the thumb of the left hand 412actuates a braking (e.g., if the vehicle 100 is currently in motion)and/or backward (e.g., if the vehicle 100 is currently stopped) movement414 of the vehicle 100. Pressing at least a portion of the sensor 165with the index finger of the left hand 412 actuates motion and/orturning in the right direction 416 for the vehicle 100. Pressure on thesensor 165 using the middle finger of the left hand 412 controls speedand/or acceleration 418 of the vehicle 100. Pressing at least a portionof the sensor 165 with the ring finger of the left hand 412 actuatesmotion and/or turning in the left direction 420 for the vehicle 100.

In certain examples, control of vehicle 100 mobility is facilitatedusing one hand with respect to a single sensor 160 or 165. Using theright 402 or left 412 hand, an electric brake is active when the vehicle100 is stopped. If the thumb 404, 414 is pressed in the stopped state,the vehicle 100 enables a reverse gear in the powertrains 120, 122, anda pressure value associated with the middle finger 408, 418 on thesensor 160 or 165 starts movement to that direction with a proportionalspeed. While moving backwards (e.g., in reverse), braking can beactivated by releasing pressure from the thumb 404, 414 on the sensor160, 165. Decreasing pressure by the thumb 404, 414 and/or middle finger408, 418 reduces speed proportionally. Forward motion can be facilitatedusing the middle finger 408, 418 to apply pressure to the sensor 160,165 without the thumb 404, 414 to engage a forward gear of thepowertrain 120, 122 and increases speed proportional to the amount ofpressure by the middle finger 408, 418. Pressure can be applied to thesensor 160, 165 by other fingers to add left 406, 420 or right 410, 416motion to the movement of the vehicle 100. Directionality of the vehicle100 can be determined based on a difference in speed between left andright powertrains 120, 122 corresponding to a degree of pressure exertedon the sensor 160, 165 by the ring 410, 420 and index 406, 416 fingersof the hand 402, 412 being used for control. Using this control method,sensors can control speed, forward/backward direction, right/leftturning, and braking using a single hand. Directional control can beexercised by the increase or decrease of each finger pressure and/or bya combination of differential pressure values of multiple fingers on thesensor 160, 165. In certain examples, if the vehicle 100 is beingcontrolled remotely via the autonomous mobility module 230, input to themobility module 220 via the sensor(s) 160, 165 can override theexternal/autonomous mobility instruction(s).

Certain examples enable two-handed control of vehicle 100 mobility. Asdescribed above, either hand 402, 412 can interact with itscorresponding sensor 160, 165 to control mobility of the vehicle 100. Incertain examples, the first sensor 160, 165 activated controls mobilityof the vehicle 100 as described above. In some examples, the firstsensor 160, 165 activated is the dominate sensor 160, 165 for mobilitycontrol, but the other sensor 160, 165 can be used to augment mobilitycontrol as long as its input to the motor control 240 and/or steeringcontrol 250 does not contradict the input from the dominant sensor(e.g., if both sensors 160, 165 are actuated at the same time orsubstantially the same time given some transmission and/or processingdelay, etc.).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example data flow 500 of message exchange tofacilitate mobility control of the vehicle 100. As shown in the exampleof FIG. 5, a first message 502 for the mobility module 220 is generatedwhen the sensor 160, 165 is actuated (e.g., pressured by one or morefingers against the sensor(s) 160, 165 in the armrest(s) 150, 155,etc.). A second message 504 is generated when the mobility module 220translates the sensor information into control command(s) for the motorcontrol 240 and/or steering control 250. The control 240 and/or 250 thengenerates a third message 506 to activate the powertrain(s) 120, 122based on the control command(s). After activating the powertrain(s) 120,122, a message 508 updates the dashboard application 210 based on thepowertrain 120, 122 activation.

In some examples, a message 510 including command(s) from the dashboardapplication 210 can adjust the motor control 240 and/or steering control250. A message 512 from the control 240 and/or 250 then activates thepowertrain(s) 120, 122 based on the control command(s). After activatingthe powertrain(s) 120, 122, a message 514 updates the dashboardapplication 210 based on the powertrain 120, 122 activation.

In some examples, a message 516 including command(s) forremote/autonomous mobility is sent via the autonomous mobility module230 to the motor control 240 and/or steering control 250. The control240 and/or 250 then generates a message 518 to activate thepowertrain(s) 120, 122 based on the control command(s). After activatingthe powertrain(s) 120, 122, a message 520 updates the dashboardapplication 210 based on the powertrain 120, 122 activation.

A flowchart representative of example method(s) for implementing theexamples disclosed herein is shown in FIG. 6. The example methods may beimplemented by machine readable instructions that comprise a program(s)for execution by a processor such as the processor 712 shown in theexample processor platform 700 discussed below in connection with FIG.7. The program may be embodied in software stored on a tangible computerreadable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, adigital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associatedwith the processor 712, but the entire program and/or parts thereofcould alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor 712and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although theexample program is described with reference to the flowchart illustratedin FIG. 6, many other methods of implementing the examples disclosedherein may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution ofthe blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may bechanged, eliminated, or combined.

As mentioned above, the example method(s) of FIG. 6 may be implementedusing coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readableinstructions) stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium suchas a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), acompact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a cache, arandom-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage device or storagedisk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extendedtime periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarilybuffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, theterm tangible computer readable storage medium is expressly defined toinclude any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage diskand to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. Asused herein, “tangible computer readable storage medium” and “tangiblemachine readable storage medium” are used interchangeably. Additionallyor alternatively, the example method(s) of FIG. 6 may be implementedusing coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readableinstructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machinereadable medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-onlymemory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, arandom-access memory and/or any other storage device or storage disk inwhich information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended timeperiods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering,and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the termnon-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to includeany type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and toexclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. As usedherein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in apreamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term“comprising” is open ended.

Turning in detail to FIG. 6, an example method 600 begins at block 602,at which the motor control 240 and/or steering control 250 monitors forcontrol input to the powertrain(s) 120, 122. For example, the motorcontrol 240 and/or steering control 250 can receive input from themobility module 220 (e.g., via the sensor(s) 160, 165, the dashboardapplication 210, etc.) and/or the autonomous mobility module 230 (e.g.,via the sensor(s) 190, from an external system via the communicationinterface 180, etc.) to control the powertrain(s) 120, 122.

At block 604, the mobility module 220 detects input from the sensor 160,165 and/or dashboard application 210. For example, the mobility module220 awaits a signal from the sensor 160, 165 corresponding to an area ofactuation and/or degree of pressure on the area of the sensor 160, 165.For example, the sensor(s) 160 165 positioned on and/or in thearmrest(s) 150, 155 are pressured using one or more fingers of one ormore hands as described above. The application of pressure to the sensor160, 165 triggers a signal from the sensor 160,165 to the mobilitymodule 220 representative of a control command.

Alternatively or in addition, at block 604, the mobility module 220detects input from the dashboard application 210. For example, a userinteracts with a graphical user interface (e.g., displayed on asmartphone, tablet, and/or other mobile device, etc.) serving as a frontend to the dashboard application 210 and triggers a slow down, speed up,turn, etc., of the vehicle 100.

At block 606, the mobility module 220 converts the received signal intocontrol command(s) for the powertrain(s) 120, 122. For example, an areaof contact on the sensor 160, 165 (e.g., thumb, index finger, middlefinger, ring finger, etc., as described above with respect to FIG. 4)and/or a degree of pressure applied to the area are received by themobility module 220 and converted into a direction of motion and/or aspeed of motion (e.g., in the identified direction). The directionand/or speed of motion is converted into control command(s) to be sentby the mobility module 220 to the motor control 240 and/or steeringcontrol 250, for example. As another example, selected input from thedashboard application 210 is converted into control command(s) to besent by the mobility module 220 to the motor control 240 and/or steeringcontrol 250. At block 602, the motor control 240 and/or steering control250 receives the control command(s).

Alternatively or in addition, at block 608, the autonomous mobilitymodule 230 detects input. For example, the autonomous mobility module230 detects input from the sensor 190 (e.g., ultrasonic, LIDAR, radar,etc.) associated with the vehicle 100. The autonomous mobility module230 can also detect input from a remote system via the communicationinterface 180, for example.

At block 610, the autonomous mobility module 230 converts the receivedsignal into control command(s) for the powertrain(s) 120, 122. Forexample, an indication of direction, speed, nearby obstacle(s) to avoid,etc., provided through automated sensor 190 and/or external sourcecommunication (e.g., via interface 180) is converted into controlcommand(s) to be sent by the autonomous mobility module 230 to the motorcontrol 240 and/or steering control 250. At block 602, the motor control240 and/or steering control 250 receives the control command(s).

At block 612, the motor control 240 and/or steering control 250processes received control command(s). For example, the motor control240 and/or steering control 250 parse the received command(s) andgenerate activation parameters for the powertrain(s) 120, 122 based onthe received control command(s). For example, received direction and/orspeed information are translated by the motor control 240 and/orsteering control 250 into a speed differential between left and rightpowertrains 120, 122, etc.

At block 614, the motor control 240 and/or steering control 250 activatethe powertrain(s) 120, 122. For example, a single powertrain 120, 122can be activated (e.g., to turn). Alternatively, both powertrains 120,122 can be activated equally (e.g., to move straight forward orbackward), for example. Alternatively, both powertrains 120, 122 can beactivated at a differential (e.g., one powertrain faster than the other)to create motion of the vehicle 100 with an angle or non-straightdirection of movement, for example.

At block 616, the powertrain(s) 120, 122 provide feedback to the motorcontrol 240 and/or steering control 250. For example, the powertrain(s)120, 122 provide an acknowledgement of received command(s), aconfirmation of speed, direction, etc., a brake status, engine status,etc.

At block 618, a presence or absence of the dashboard application 210 isdetermined. If no dashboard application 210 is present (e.g., no mobiledevice is currently tethered to the vehicle 100 and displaying vehicle100 information, etc.), then control returns (e.g., to block 602 tomonitor for additional control input, etc.).

However, if the dashboard application 210 is detected, then, at block620, the dashboard application 210 is updated based on the powertrain120, 122 activation. For example, current speed, angle, direction,powertrain 120, 122 status, control status, etc., can be displayed viathe dashboard application 210 on a mobile device for information,further control, etc. Control then returns (e.g., to block 602 tomonitor for additional control input, etc.).

Thus, certain examples provide a vehicle configured for automaticmaneuvering, solar charging, having a reduced parking space footprintand increased cargo load volume. Certain examples provide an improvedvehicle 100 in which driver vertical position and sliding doors reduceoccupied space and allow users comfortable access to the vehicle 100.Inside the vehicle 100, armrest(s) 150, 155 are equipped with sensor(s)160, 165 to allow the vehicle 100 to be driven without a steering wheeland pedals. For example, sensor(s) 160, 165 can be on or in armrest(s)150, 155 and/or integrated into controlling arm(s) for manipulation. Thevehicle includes a cargo area 130 with a large loading volume capacity.Further, automated driverless maneuverings facilitate entering andexiting of loading/unloading spaces, charging stations, etc., to providemaneuverability and functionality while reducing the space used by thevehicle 100. Air filtration in the cabin 105 via the air filtration unit170 provides cleaner air and a healthier environment for people in thecab 105 of the vehicle 100.

Certain examples provide a vehicle 100 controllable by a user's mobiledevice (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) tethered with thevehicle 100 for use as a dashboard 210 for information, control, etc.The mobile device can be charged wired and/or wirelessly via amounting/rest 195, for example. The mobile device dashboard 210 and/orexternal sensor(s) 190 can be used to facilitate automated and/or remotemanagement of the vehicle 100. Integrated technologies assist a user inexecuting his or her itinerary using the user's own electronicallytethered device with the vehicle 100. The dashboard 210 integrates thevehicle 100 into a smart mobility ecosystem through communicationchannel(s) 180, for example. A combination of armrest sensor input,external sensor input, and remote input facilitate autonomous andintegrated maneuvering, as well as assisted driving, of the vehicle foran improved experience

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example processor platform 700 capableof executing instructions to implement the examples disclosed herein.The processor platform 700 can be, for example, a semiconductorfabrication device, a wafer/die production controller, a waferproducing/processing device, a die/wafer etching device, a server, apersonal computer, a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, atablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), anInternet appliance, a set top box, or any other type of computingdevice.

The processor platform 700 of the illustrated example includes aprocessor 712. The processor 712 of the illustrated example is hardware.For example, the processor 712 can be implemented by one or moreintegrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors or controllers fromany desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 712 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 713(e.g., a cache). The processor 712 of the illustrated example is incommunication with a main memory including a volatile memory 714 and anon-volatile memory 716 via a bus 718. The volatile memory 714 may beimplemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM)and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatilememory 716 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desiredtype of memory device. Access to the main memory 714, 716 is controlledby a memory controller.

The processor platform 700 of the illustrated example also includes aninterface circuit 720. The interface circuit 720 may be implemented byany type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, auniversal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 722 are connectedto the interface circuit 720. The input device(s) 722 permit(s) a userto enter data and commands into the processor 712. The input device(s)can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, acamera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, atrack-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

One or more output devices 724 are also connected to the interfacecircuit 720 of the illustrated example. The output devices 724 can beimplemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emittingdiode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystaldisplay, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touchscreen, a tactileoutput device, a printer and/or speakers). The interface circuit 720 ofthe illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics drivercard, a graphics driver chip or a graphics driver processor.

The interface circuit 720 of the illustrated example also includes acommunication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, amodem and/or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data withexternal machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network726 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), atelephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 700 of the illustrated example also includes oneor more mass storage devices 728 for storing software and/or data.Examples of such mass storage devices 728 include floppy disk drives,hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAIDsystems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

Coded instructions 732 to implement the examples described herein may bestored in the mass storage device 728, in the volatile memory 714, inthe non-volatile memory 716, and/or on a removable tangible computerreadable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above disclosedmethods, apparatus and articles of manufacture provide improved vehiclecontrol and dynamic maneuverability. The disclosed examples improveenvironmental health and safety for a user in the cabin while alsoimproving local, remote, and autonomous maneuverability of the vehiclein and around obstacles. Thus, a cleaner, more responsive, and moreaccurate vehicle is disclosed to facilitate transportation of passengersand goods in crowded environments.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a sensor positioned withrespect to a seat to detect pressure by a user with respect to thesensor to generate a first signal corresponding to the pressure; and aprocessor to monitor for control input including the first signal, asecond signal from a dashboard application, and a third signal from anexternal source, the processor to convert a received at least one of thefirst signal, the second signal, or the third signal into controlcommands for motor control and steering control and to activate apowertrain to move the vehicle based on the control commands.
 2. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is incorporated into an armrestof the seat inside the vehicle.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein thesensor is incorporated into a controlling arm of the seat inside thevehicle.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a firstsensor, and further including a second sensor to detect pressure by theuser with respect to the second sensor, wherein the second sensor is togenerate a second signal corresponding to the pressure.
 5. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the pressure corresponds to movement by a finger ofthe user on an area of the sensor corresponding to at least one of a)move forward, b) move backward, c) brake, d) left, or e) right.
 6. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the powertrain includes left and rightpowertrains, and wherein a mobility module adjusts a direction ofmovement of the vehicle by creating a speed differential between theleft and right powertrains.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, further includingthe dashboard application to display information regarding the vehicle,the dashboard application configured to execute on a mobile devicetethered to the vehicle.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1, further including anexternal sensor to provide autonomous input to control movement of thevehicle.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1, further including a communicationinterface to receive a control command from an external system.
 10. Atangible computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that,when executed, cause a machine to at least: detect pressure by a userwith respect to a sensor in a vehicle, the sensor positioned withrespect to a seat in the vehicle; generate a first signal correspondingto the pressure; monitor for control input including the first signal, asecond signal from a dashboard application, and a third signal from anexternal source; and convert a received at least one of the firstsignal, the second signal, or the third signal into control commands formotor control and steering control and to activate a powertrain to movethe vehicle based on the control commands.
 11. The storage medium ofclaim 10, wherein the pressure corresponds to movement by a finger ofthe user on an area of the sensor corresponding to at least one of a)move forward, b) move backward, c) brake, d) left, or e) right.
 12. Thestorage medium of claim 10, wherein the powertrain includes left andright powertrains, and wherein the instructions, when executed, furthercause the machine to adjust a direction of movement of the vehicle bycreating a speed differential between the left and right powertrains ofthe vehicle.
 13. The storage medium of claim 10, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the machine to update thedashboard application to display information regarding the vehicle, thedashboard application configured to execute on a mobile device tetheredto the vehicle.
 14. The storage medium of claim 10, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the machine to controlmovement of the vehicle based on autonomous input from an externalsensor.
 15. The storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions,when executed, further cause the machine to receive a control commandfrom an external system via a communication interface.
 16. A methodcomprising: detecting, using a sensor, pressure by a user with respectto the sensor in a vehicle, the sensor positioned with respect to a seatin the vehicle; generating, by executing an instruction with aprocessor, a first signal corresponding to the pressure; monitoring, byexecuting an instruction with a processor, for control input includingthe first signal, a second signal from a dashboard application, and athird signal from an external source; and converting, by executing aninstruction with the processor, a received at least one of the firstsignal, the second signal, or the third signal into control commands formotor control and steering control and to activate a powertrain to movethe vehicle based on the control commands.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the pressure corresponds to movement by a finger of the user onan area of the sensor corresponding to at least one of a) move forward,b) move backward, c) brake, d) left, or e) right.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the powertrain includes left and right powertrains,and further including adjusting a direction of movement of the vehicleby creating a speed differential between the left and right powertrainsof the vehicle.
 19. The method of claim 16, further including updatingthe dashboard application to display information regarding the vehicle,the dashboard application configured to execute on a mobile devicetethered to the vehicle.
 20. The method of claim 16, further includingcontrolling movement of the vehicle based on autonomous input from anexternal sensor.